News from around the 32 counties of Ireland

Ex-Saw Doc drummer completes 47th marathon for charity Galway man and Director of Arcana, Johnny Donnelly has completed his 47th marathon in less than two years, fininshing in a remarkable third place in the Inca Trail Marathon in Peru.The ex-Saw Doctor first began his Run Johnny Run challenge in 2008 to run over 2000 miles around the world in four years to raise money for Irish charity Seachange Foundation, an Irish based non-profit organisation. He has raised over €300,000 to date for Seachange projects, including recent restorative efforts in Haiti.
(Source: Galway City Tribune)

Kildare

Nurney GAA players will be in the spotlight in the future thanks to local man John Kelly who has been named as ‘Ireland’s most dedicated GAA fan’.John secured some 12,800 votes to win the honor. His win ensures that €15,000 will go to his local club in Nurney which will enable them to install floodlights.Despite health difficulties which include renal failure, a kidney transplant and rejection, a triple bypass and leg amputation John has had an almost near perfect attendance record at Kildare games and Nurney club games.
(Source: The Kildare Nationalist)

Kilkenny

When 85-year-old Billy Dalton from the city's Freshford Road completed the Nore Swim from Greensbridge to John's Bridge on Saturday August 20th, it marked his first time competing in the event since 1954.This time he was first over the line (veterans were left go early) , with his son Denis keeping him company. He made light of his achievement in finishing the 500-metre course in quick time and said that he had no difficulty doing so. He did say that the cold had set in over the last 100 metres and that was the bit he found a little tiring. He was one of those who did the swim without the aid of a wet suit.
(Source: Kilkenny People)

Laois

A Garda had his hand bitten in Portarlington as he attempted to arrest a woman who had damaged the town's hanging baskets. The incident happened Saturday the 20th of August at around 9.15pm. The male garda attempted to arrest the woman, aged in her 30s, after the damage was done to the baskets. A boy who was cycling nearby is also understood to have been assaulted prior to the garda's intervention.
(Source: Leinster Express)

Leitrim

Leitrim had approximately 120 public houses in operation at the start of this year but with many people choosing to save their pennies and stay at home to entertain, the Vintners Federation of Ireland is calling on the Government to assist struggling pubs in rural Ireland. Leitrim publicans have only five weeks left renew their licence at the Annual Licensing Court at the end of September, but national figures show that almost half of pubs that have not renewed their licenses so far this year, have in fact closed their doors.
(Source: Leitrim Observer)

Limerick

The centre of Moyross was sealed off last week after a pipe bomb was found in the back garden of a derelict house in the estate. The explosive device was found at around 10am by gardai investigating organized crime on the northside. Residents in the neighboring Cliona Park estate had to be evacuated from their homes following the discovery of the pipe bomb, which was made safe by an Army Bomb Disposal Unit.
(Source: Limerick Leader)

Longford

Longford people certainly proved they've got talent last weekend after two All-Ireland winners from the county emerged at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Cavan. Eleven-year-old, Laura Doherty who hails from Dromard is the daughter of Rosie and Tom and she won the U12 Mouth Organ section of the competition. Her band, Ríl Og also won the Junior Busking Competition. Meanwhile 18-year-old Jackie Callaghan from Mullinalaghta, daughter of Lucy and Sean, secured an All Ireland medal in the U18 Piano Accordion section. Ciara Casey, Newtowncashel was successful in the U12 Busking competition and Liam Butler from Legan won Most Entertaining Act at the event.
(Source: Longford Leader)

Louth

Dundalk Ice Dome will reopen next month after UK firm Planet Ice finally completed a deal to take over the running of the facility this Tuesday. The Ice Dome closed down in May following a technical issue which required all the ice to be removed and work to be carried out on the plant and various maintenance work. It was expected to reopen roughly a week later but when it failed to do so speculation grew locally that it was to close for good.
(Source: Dundalk Democrat)

Mayo

Management at Knock Shrine have apologized to a 13-year-old girl who was approached by a security guard who informed her that her shorts were in breach of a new dress code. Lauren Moran from Drumshanbo in Co Leitrim was visiting the holy shrine along with her mother, Melanie and family for the annual novena. When her mother went into confessions, a security guard approached Lauren who informed her that the shorts she was wearing were in breach of a new dress code being enforced. Lauren’s mother, Melanie said her daughter was very upset after being approached by the security guard and wanted to leave the shrine.
(Source: The Mayo News)